Principles of Plasma Physics for Engineers and Scientists

by Umran S. Inan , Marek Gołkowski

• ISBN13: 9780521193726
• ISBN10: 0521193729
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-01-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This unified introduction provides the tools and techniques needed to analyze plasmas and connects plasma phenomena to other fields of study. Combining mathematical rigor with qualitative explanations, and linking theory to practice with example problems, this is a perfect textbook for senior undergraduate and graduate students taking one-semester introductory plasma physics courses. For the first time, material is presented in the context of unifying principles, illustrated using organizational charts, and structured in a successive progression from single particle motion, to kinetic theory and average values, through to collective phenomena of waves in plasma. This provides students with a stronger understanding of the topics covered, their interconnections, and when different types of plasma models are applicable. Furthermore, mathematical derivations are rigorous, yet concise, so physical understanding is not lost in lengthy mathematical treatments. Worked examples illustrate practical applications of theory and students can test their new knowledge with 90 end-of-chapter problems.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Single particle motion

Kinetic theory of plasmas

Moments of the Boltzmann equation

Multiple fluid theory of plasmas

Single fluid theory of plasmas: magnetohydrodynamics

Collisions and plasma conductivity

Plasma diffusion

Introduction to waves in plasmas

Waves in cold magnetized plasmas

Effects of collisions, ions and finite temperature on waves in magnetized plasmas

Waves in hot plasmas

Plasma sheath and the Langmuir probe

Derivation of second moment of the Boltzmann equation

Useful vector identities

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